EP2495087B1 - Blow moulding machine with clean room and sterilisable connected components - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for treating containers. The invention will be discussed with reference to a blow molding machine which converts plastic preforms to plastic containers. However, it is conceivable that the present invention also apply to other machines for treating containers, such as sterilization sheets.

Such blow molding machines are known from the prior art for a long time. In particular, so-called aseptic blow molding machines are known which serve for the expansion of plastic preforms to plastic containers under sterile conditions. Such sterile or aseptic blow molding machines, for example, in the WO 2010 020 529 A2 described. A particular challenge with such blow molding machines is to achieve the corresponding high purity. For example, in the US, such guidelines are established and monitored by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). In this case, it is conceivable, in particular, for germs remaining in the machine to lead to contamination of the machine and also of the containers. The problem arises in particular in such components having interconnected elements, between which elements arise gaps, which are difficult to clean.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a blow molding machine available, which is easier to clean compared to the prior art or can be kept under sterile conditions.

This is inventively achieved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers has a multiplicity of forming stations, which are arranged on a movable carrier, wherein the forming stations each have blow molds within which the plastic preforms can be formed into plastic containers by application of a flowable medium. In addition, the forming stations also blow mold carrier for holding these blow molds and the Blastormträger have at least two mutually movable Blasformträgerteile for opening and closing of the blow molds. Furthermore, the device has a clean room delimited from an environment by means of at least one wall, which surrounds the individual forming stations at least partially, so that the forming stations are movable within this clean room. In addition, at least one loading device is provided to pressurize at least a portion of the movable within the clean room forming stations with a flowable sterilizing agent.

According to the invention, at least one forming station has at least two components permanently fixed to one another in a working operation, and an elastic sealing device is arranged between these components, this sealing device filling and / or closing (or covering) a gap formed between these components such that the sealing device can be acted upon directly by the sterilizing agent.

The sealing device can preferably close the gap, in which it fills or covered.

In known from the prior art devices can be formed in such a fastened components column, which may be located in these columns germs, which by the narrow geometry in the gap during sterilization of the machine, for example by gaseous H2O2 would be protected against killing. The invention therefore proposes a possibility of hygienically connecting components, in particular in an isolator, which is particularly advantageous with regard to the construction of an aseptic blow molding machine. The sealing device is embodied such that it itself can be acted upon directly by the sterilizing agent and accordingly no germs are formed in the gap formed on surfaces which are inaccessible to the sterilizing agent.

Thus, the sealing device advantageously forms a part of the surface, which merges in particular from the first component into the second component. The seal can thus advantageously be formed on an outer circumference of the surface, which merges from the first component into the second component.

The loading device can be, for example, a nozzle or a spray head, which acts on the components of the blow molding machine and in particular of the individual transformation stations with the sterilizing agent. This loading device is advantageously arranged at least partially within the clean room. In this case, this admission device can move along with the individual conversion stations, but it would also be possible for the application device to be stationary and for the individual conversion stations to move past this application device. Advantageously, the device has a plurality of such loading devices, which are arranged in particular on the said carrier.

Thus, the invention deals with the question of whether the components, especially in a clean room can be hygienically connected to each other. In particular, components arranged flat on one another or flatly screwed on one another should be avoided due to the formation of a gap in which germs can be present and multiply. Advantageously, the individual forming stations are arranged on a common carrier, wherein this carrier is particularly preferably arranged rotatably. In a preferred embodiment, the blow molding machine is a stretch blow molding machine, that is to say preferably the individual conversion stations have stretch rods which stretch the plastic preforms in their longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the sterile room surrounds a part of the forming device and in particular also that area in which the individual forming stations are guided.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a drive shaft of the device itself is not arranged in the sterile room. Advantageously, the sterile room surrounds the individual forming stations in a channel-shaped manner. In this case, the sterile room may have two walls which are movable relative to one another, wherein these two walls are advantageously sealed against one another, for example using a so-called water lock.

Advantageously, a region of the above-mentioned sealant or sealing device in the sterilization direction, i. in the direction from which the exposure to the sterilant takes place, visible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said components are releasably connected to each other, for example screwed.

Advantageously, the sealing device is not a flat gasket, since this makes it difficult to provide sufficient compression for the gasket at all points of the relatively large sealing surface. In a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing device is formed circumferentially, i. Preferably, a predetermined area of the components arranged next to one another is surrounded by this sealing device. This surrounded area can also be made non-sterile or non-sterilizable.

In particular, for releasable seals so-called O-rings d. H. used annular sealing elements, these O-rings can be inserted into a special groove which is located in one of the two components and which then joined together with the respective other component z. B. is screwed. Under annular but also cross sections are understood to deviate from a circular cross section, for example, oval cross sections, rectangular cross sections with rounded corners and the like.

Advantageously, however, circular sealing means are used. For manufacturing reasons, it is advantageous to introduce the groove also circular in the component, since they are relatively simple, z. B. by turning, can be produced. However, it would also be possible to mill the respective grooves.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a plurality of sealing devices, which can be acted upon directly by the sterilizing agent.

Thus, a large number of components are advantageously connected to such sealing devices, so that overall the sterilization can be accomplished relatively easily.

Advantageously, as mentioned above, at least one of the components has a receiving recess for receiving the sealing device. Advantageously, this receiving recess is formed as a receiving groove.

Particularly preferably, the receiving recess is formed circumferentially.

Particularly preferred for sealing one or more O-rings are used. In a further advantageous embodiment, the recess is designed as a flush-shaped groove, but in particular a region of the sealing device is urged in the connection of the components to the outside or in the direction of the areas acted upon by the sterilizing agent. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the sealing devices is a shaft sealing ring.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving recess has boundary walls, wherein these boundary walls have different heights with respect to a receiving recess base. In contrast to the prior art so that these recesses are not symmetrical in terms of their height, but designed asymmetrically. It is possible that an area of the sealing device during assembly of the components is at least partially urged over one of these Begrenzungswandungen and in particular the lower boundary wall.

Advantageously, at least one sealing device consists of an elastomer. The sealing device advantageously contacts the two components arranged next to one another and is preferably also arranged in a mounted state of the two components firmly against two components.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing device in an assembled state of the component has an asymmetrical cross-section.

In a further advantageous embodiment, in particular those gaps which are caused by components which extend through an insulator wall or clean room boundary (such as the shaft of the movable mold carrier or the locking shaft) are sealed to the environment by means of shaft sealing rings. However, it would also be possible to use other seals instead of or in addition to shaft seals.

In a further advantageous embodiment, wear parts using one or more seals, such as. B. O-rings or gaskets sealed to the next component.

In a further advantageous embodiment, in particular screwed connections between said components are sealed by means of so-called Usit-discs. In such Usit discs are metallic discs to which a sealing bead, for example made of elastic rubber, vulcanized, glued, screwed or otherwise secured.

More precisely, a sealing lip made of an elastomeric material is formed on these metallic disks on the circumference. With the help of such discs z. B. screw heads are sealed. The sealing discs can consist of a metal, such as stainless steel. The sealing lips may for example consist of an elastomer. In other embodiments, these sealing discs made of other materials, such as a plastic with attached sealing lip. Depending on the intended use, this sealing lip can be arranged on an inner or on an outer diameter.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of said components has at least one cylindrical elevation for connection to the other component. Usually, not all the components to be connected have circular contact surfaces with the respective next component, which is why sealing by means of O-rings sometimes occurs difficult. As a solution to this problem is therefore proposed to attach to the relevant components cylindrical elevations, which in turn can be provided with a round O-ring groove. In this way, wearing parts, in particular parts of the locking mechanism, which should be replaced regularly, can be attached.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first component is a mold carrier and the second component is a blow molded part. Such blow molds for stretch blow molding machines usually have a semicircular cross section. They are used in a mold carrier and fixed in this. This creates a relatively large gap. Due to the manufacturing tolerances, this gap may have a thickness of 0 mm to a few 1/10 mm. However, in the construction of an aseptic blow molding machine, such gaps should be avoided within the sterile zone because, as mentioned above, nuclei may form therein which would be protected from killing by the tight geometry in the gap upon sterilization of the machine.

The easiest way to avoid the gap is the seal. This sealing device can in this case be located between the blow mold and the mold carrier, wherein the mold carrier is understood to be that machine component into which the blow mold is inserted. The sealing device may, as mentioned above, have a circular cross-section, or be designed as a lip seal. However, other cross sections would be possible. In addition, a hollow chamber profile could be used, which can be inflated if necessary for better sealing after installation of the mold by means of an internal pressure. For accommodating the sealing device may optionally. On the mold and / or the mold carrier special form elements, such as grooves or recesses, be attached, which ensure the correct fit and the fixation of the sealing device. In an advantageous embodiment, the sealing surface is flat, whereby the production is simplified.

In a further advantageous embodiment, feeding devices for supplying a temperature-control medium are arranged within a section surrounded by the sealing device. This tempering medium can serve for cooling or heating the Blasformträgers or the blow mold. Thus, in particular, the portion surrounding the sealing device is non-sterile. This leads to, that within the sterile room certain areas of the conversion stations are non-sterile, but these non-sterile areas are sealed off from the sterile room. The region of the respective component lying outside the sealing device in this case is advantageously sterilizable again.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the blow mold has a recess for receiving a temperature-controllable region of the blow mold carrier. This recess is used in particular for cooling the blow mold. In this way, it is possible that the blow mold itself does not require Temperiermittelkanäle and is tempered only by contact with the blow mold.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the blow mold has a flat rear side.

Furthermore, a method for forming plastic preforms to plastic containers is described. In this case, a plurality of forming stations, which are arranged on a movable carrier, is provided, wherein the forming stations each have blow molding, within which the plastic preforms are formed by the application of a flowable medium to plastic containers. Also, blow mold carriers are provided for holding these blow molds, wherein at least blow mold carrier parts of these blow mold carriers are moved relative to each other for opening and closing the blow molds.

In addition, a with a relation to an environment by means of at least one wall delimited clean room is provided which surrounds the individual forming stations at least partially, the forming stations are moved within this clean room and at least one loading device to at least a portion of moving within the clean room forming stations with a to apply flowable sterilizing agent.

According to the method, at least one forming station has at least two components permanently fixed to one another in a working operation, and an elastic sealing device is arranged between these components, this sealing device a gap formed between these components so fills and / or closes that the sealing device is acted upon directly by the sterilizing agent.

It is possible that the two components are rigidly attached to each other, but it would also be possible that the two components are indeed secured to each other, but are relatively movable relative to each other.

It is therefore also proposed on the method side that the sealing device itself is subjected to a sterilizing agent and therefore also gaps between the components in which nuclei can form and / or multiply, are prevented.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anlage zum Herstellen von Kunststoffbehältnissen; und

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht eines Reinraums im Bereich einer Blasstation.

Fig. 3

die Verbindung zweier Bauteile nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 4a, 4b

zwei Darstellungen zur Veranschaulichung einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindung zweier Bauteile;

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung eines Bauteils mit Ausnehmung für eine Dichtungseinrichtung;

Fig. 6

eine weitere Darstellung eines Bauteils mit Ausnehmung für eine Dichtungseinrichtung;

Fig. 7a, 7b

zwei Darstellungen für eine Ausführungsform einer Abdichtung;

Fig. 8

eine weitere Darstellung für eine erfinderische Ausgestaltung einer Dichtungseinrichtung;

Fig. 9

eine weitere Ausführungsform für eine erfindungsgemäße Dichtungseinrichtung;

Fig. 10

eine Teilansicht eines Blasformträgers mit daran angeordneter Blasform;

Fig. 11

eine Rückansicht der in Fig. 10 gezeigten Blasform;

Fig. 12

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Blasformhalters mit Blasform;

Fig. 13

eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer Blasformhalterung mit Blasform;

Fig. 14

eine Darstellungen einer Anordnung mit einer Blasform an einem Blasformträger; und

Fig. 15

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. Show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a plant for the production of plastic containers; and

Fig. 2

a view of a clean room in the area of a blowing station.

Fig. 3

the connection of two components according to the prior art;

Fig. 4a, 4b

two illustrations for illustrating a connection according to the invention of two components;

Fig. 5

an illustration of a component with a recess for a sealing device;

Fig. 6

a further illustration of a component with a recess for a sealing device;

Fig. 7a, 7b

two illustrations for an embodiment of a seal;

Fig. 8

a further illustration of an inventive embodiment of a sealing device;

Fig. 9

a further embodiment of a sealing device according to the invention;

Fig. 10

a partial view of a Blasformträgers arranged thereon blow mold;

Fig. 11

a rear view of the in Fig. 10 blow mold shown;

Fig. 12

another embodiment of a blow mold with blow mold;

Fig. 13

a further embodiment of a blow mold holder with blow mold;

Fig. 14

an illustration of an arrangement with a blow mold on a blow mold carrier; and

Fig. 15

a further embodiment of a device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a plant for producing plastic containers. This system 50 has a heating device 30 in which plastic preforms 10 are heated. In this case, these plastic preforms 10 are guided by means of a transport device 34, such as a revolving chain, through this heater 30 and thereby heated with a plurality of heating elements 31. This heating device 30 is followed by a transfer unit 36, which transfers the preforms 10 to a sterilization device 32. This sterilization device 32 in this case likewise has a transport wheel 37 and sterilization elements can be arranged on this transport wheel 37 or even stationary. In this area, for example, a sterilization by hydrogen peroxide gas or, as mentioned above, by electromagnetic or UV radiation possible. In particular, an internal sterilization of the preforms is carried out in this area.

The reference numeral 20 designates in its entirety a clean room whose outer boundaries are indicated here by the dotted line L. In a further preferred embodiment, the clean room 20 is arranged not only in the area of transport wheel 2 and filling device 40, but possibly already starts in the area of the heating device 30, the sterilization device 32, of the plastic preform feed and / or plastic preform manufacture. It can be seen that this clean room 20 begins in the area of the sterilization unit 32. In this area, lock devices can be provided to introduce the plastic preforms into the clean room 20 without too much gas flowing out of the clean room 20 and thus being lost.

The clean room 20 is, as indicated by the dashed line L, adapted to the outer shape of the individual system components. In this way, the volume of the clean room can be reduced.

The reference numeral 1 designates in its entirety a forming device in which a plurality of blowing stations 8 is arranged on a transport wheel 2, wherein only one of these blowing stations 8 is shown here. With these blowing stations 8, the plastic preforms 10 are expanded to containers 10a. Although not shown in detail here, not the entire area of the transport device 2 is located within the clean room 20, but the clean room 20 or insulator is effectively implemented as a mini-isolator within the entire device. Thus, it would be possible for the clean room to be channel-like, at least in the area of the forming device 1.

The reference numeral 22 refers to a feeding device which transfers the preforms to the forming device 1 and the reference numeral 24 to a discharge device which discharges the produced plastic containers 10a from the forming device 1. It can be seen that the clean room 20 in the area of the feed device 22 and the discharge device 24 each have recesses which receive these devices 22, 24. In this way, a transfer of the plastic preforms 10 to the forming device 1 and a takeover of the plastic containers 10a of the forming device 1 can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner.

With a transfer unit 42, the expanded plastic containers are transferred to a filling device 40 and then discharged from this filling device 40 via a further transport unit 44. In the case of the filling device, it would also be possible for the entire filling device 40 with, for example, a reservoir for a beverage, not to be arranged completely within the clean room 20, but here too only those areas where actually the containers be guided. In that regard, the filling device could be constructed in a similar manner as the device 1 for forming plastic preforms 10th

As mentioned, the clean room 20 in the area of the device 1 is reduced to a minimum possible area, namely substantially to the blowing stations 8 itself. This small-sized design of the clean room 20 makes it easier and faster to produce a clean room at all and also to maintain sterility in the operating phase is less expensive. Also, less sterile air is needed, resulting in smaller filter units and also the risk of uncontrolled vortex formation is reduced.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the device 1 in the region of a blowing station 8. A plurality of such blowing stations 8 is with a transport means 2 (ie the carrier 2) rotatably moved about an axis X. The blowing station 8 is as in FIG. 2 can be seen within the clean room 20, which is here channel-like out. This clean room 20 is completed by a movable side wall 19 and a lid 17 integrally formed with this side wall 19. This side wall 19 and the cover 17 thereby rotate with the blowing station 8.

The reference numeral 18 refers to a further wall which limits the clean room 20. This wall 18 is here an outer wall, which is arranged stationary. Between the cover 17 and the wall 18, a sealing device 25 is provided, which seals the mutually movable elements 17 and 18 against each other, for example, as mentioned above, using a water lock. The lower portion of the wall 18 is fixedly and sealingly arranged on a bottom 13. Within the clean room 20 and here directly adjacent to the wall 19 a support 26 is provided, which also moves in rotation and on which in turn a holding device 23 is provided, which holds the blowing station 8.

The reference numeral 11 refers to a follower which can be actuated by a guide cam 9 to open and close the blow station on its way through the clean room 20, in particular to insert the plastic preform in the blowing station and to remove it again. In this case, a guide curve 9 is also arranged within the clean room 20. However, it would also be possible, for example, to lead a section 28 below the individual blowing stations 8 out of the clean room 20 already.

The guide curve could be arranged, for example, under the clean room 20 and / or laterally offset to the clean room 20 or even above the clean room 20th

The transport device 2 may also have further elements, which are arranged above the clean room 20.

The carrier 26 is fixedly arranged on a holding body 29 and this holding body is in turn movable relative to the bottom 13. In this case, the reference numeral 27 refers to a further sealing device, which causes a sealing of the mutually movable portions 13 and 29 in this area.

The reference numeral 5 refers to a stretching rod which is movable with respect to the blowing station in order to stretch the plastic preforms 10 in their longitudinal direction. In this case, a carriage 12 is arranged on the lid 17, on the other hand, the stretch rod in the direction Y is movable. The reference numeral 21 refers to a further holder for this carriage 12 of the stretch rod. 5

It can be seen that certain areas of the stretch rod 5 are both outside the clean room 20 and within the clean room during the blowing process. For this purpose, it is possible to provide a protective device, such as a bellows, surrounding the stretch rod 5 outside the clean room 20 or above the slide 12, so that no area of the stretch bar 5 comes into direct contact with the outside environment.

The individual blowing stations or forming stations 8 each have blow mold carriers 6, within which the blow molds (in FIG Fig. 2 not shown) are arranged. Here, as known in the art, these blow mold carriers may comprise two blow mold carrier parts, which are pivotable with respect to each other by means of a common pivot shaft 3 for opening and closing the blow mold.

The reference numeral 60 here denotes a loading device, which serves to pressurize the transformation stations with the flowable sterilizing agent. This biasing device 60 may be located on the transport wheel 2 or on the stationary wall 18 or be arranged generally stationary and have nozzles o similar. In addition, it is advantageous to introduce sterile air for sterilizing the clean room 20 via the ventilation system into the clean room 20.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the applying device could also be a device which transmits the transformation stations with (in particular electromagnetic) radiation, e.g. UV or electron radiation applied. In this case, advantageously at least one region of the sealing device would be achievable in an assembled state of the components for this electromagnetic radiation.

Within the sterile room, the two interconnected components are now arranged. In the following some examples of inventively juxtaposed components are performed. Thus, for example, the components could be a blow mold carrier with a blow mold arranged thereon, or also components of a closing mechanism arranged in juxtaposition to close the blow molds. Generally, however, the invention is applicable to any, in particular within the sterile room arranged together, components, but also on components which are arranged on one (inner) wall of the sterile room or partially outside and partially within the sterile room arranged components. The reference U in Fig. 2 refers to a (non-sterile) environment of the clean room 20.

It would, however, be different (unlike in Fig. 2 shown) possible and preferred that the transport device 2 or the carrier has a C - shaped outer circumference, which also partially forms the outer walls of the clean room. Thus, this C - shaped clean room wall rotates here with the transport device 2, ie the blowing wheel. In this embodiment, the lower boundary of the clean room is spaced from the floor 13 and moves relative to the floor. In this way, the clean room can be made even smaller than in Fig.2 shown. A seal of this C-shaped profile of the transport device, which here forms both an inner wall and a lower and upper cover of the clean room, takes place here preferably only with respect to the outer wall of the clean room. This outer wall is advantageously arranged stationary.

Fig. 3 shows a connection between two components 114, 116 according to the prior art. Between these two components, an elastic sealing device 130 is arranged, for example in the form of an O-ring. When connecting the two components 114,116, however, a gap 135 may remain in which germs can begin. If the components are then exposed to a sterilization medium, it is possible that this sterilization medium does not reach the germs in the gap 135 and thus can not kill it. In this way, the sterility of a corresponding machine can not be guaranteed. The reference numeral 140 denotes a recess or groove in which the sealing device 130 is arranged.

The Fig. 4a and 4b show a connection according to the invention of two components 14, 16. It can be seen that here too a sealing device 15 is arranged between the two components, more precisely in a recess 80 of the first component 14th Fig. 4b shows the state in which the components 14 and 16 are not firmly connected. The sealing device 15 is not here in a tensioned state. At the in Fig. 4a In the situation shown, the two components are arranged firmly together. It can be seen that a region 15a of the sealing device pushes between the two components 14 and 16 such that this region too can not be reached by a sterilization medium supplied along the arrow P.

This can be achieved, for example, by the special design of the recess 80. It can be seen that the side walls 82, 84 of the recess 80 have different heights h1 and h2 relative to the recess base 87. In this way, it is possible that the sealing device, whose diameter is itself considerably larger than the height h2 of the side wall 84, urged over this side wall or the upper portion 83 of this side wall away and thus urged outwards. In this way, results in an assembled state, the in Fig. 4a shown unbalanced profile or the unbalanced cross section Q of the sealing device.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show two possible embodiments of recesses 80 which are arranged in the component 14. The recess 80 at Fig. 5 is designed rectangular with rounded corners. The recess 80 in the case of Fig. 6 is trained around. However, it is possible that the recess also has other shapes, for example general polygonal shapes, elliptical shapes and the like.

The Fig. 7a and 7b show two possible application examples of sealing devices according to the invention within the clean room. In this case, a blow mold 4 or a blow mold part 4a is arranged here on the blow mold carrier 6 or on the blow mold carrier part 6a. The reference numeral 35 denotes a locking mechanism which is arranged on the blow mold carrier part 6a. Here, a lock plate 35a is detachably arranged on a plurality of protrusions 35b with a plurality of screws 33. It can be seen that this can cause gaps in which germs can accumulate. For this reason, the individual projections 35 have been represented as elevations, which, as in Fig. 7b shown, comparatively easily with the recesses 80 may be provided for the introduction of the sealing means. The reference symbol S denotes a pivot axis about which the blow mold carrier 6a with the blow mold 4 is pivotable.

• Fig. 8 zeigt eine Detaildarstellung der Schrauben 33. Unter diesen Schrauben 33 sind hier zumindest bereichsweise elastische Dichtscheiben 33a, die wiederum als Dichtungseinrichtungen fungieren, angeordnet, sodass auch zwischen den Schrauben 33 und der Verriegelungsplatte 35a das Entstehen von Spalten verhindert wird. Damit stellen hier die Schraube 33 das erste Bauteil und die Verriegelungsplatte 35a das zweite Bauteil dar.
• Fig. 9 zeigt eine Darstellung der Dichtscheibe 33a. An dieser Dichtscheibe 33a ist, wie in Fig. 9 dargestellt, eine Dichtlippe 38 angeordnet, die gegenüber einer Oberflächenebene der Dichtscheibe 33a beidseitig über diese hinausragt. Diese Dichtungseinrichtung 38 bzw. die Dichtlippe 38 kann dabei an die Dichtscheibe 33b anvulkanisiert sein. Die Dichtlippe 38 übernimmt hier die Funktion der Dichtungseinrichtung 15.

In these embodiments, therefore, the projection 35b, the first component and the locking plate 35a, the second component, which are connected to each other, is.

• Fig. 8 shows a detailed representation of the screws 33. These screws 33 are at least partially elastic sealing discs 33a, which in turn act as sealing means, arranged so that between the screws 33 and the locking plate 35a, the formation of gaps is prevented. Thus, here the screw 33, the first component and the locking plate 35 a is the second component.
• Fig. 9 shows a representation of the sealing disc 33a. At this sealing disc 33a is, as in Fig. 9 represented, a sealing lip 38 is arranged, which projects beyond a surface plane of the sealing disc 33 a on both sides over this. This sealing device 38 or the sealing lip 38 can be vulcanized onto the sealing disk 33b. The sealing lip 38 assumes the function of the sealing device 15th

Fig. 10 shows an illustration of a Blasformträgers with a blow mold arranged thereon 4. The reference numeral 7 indicates a cavity within which the plastic preforms are expanded to plastic containers. Also, between the blow mold 4 and the carrier can, as mentioned above, the gaps arise in which germs can form and multiply. The reference DF denotes the resulting sealing surface. If this sealing surface is flat, for example, can in this way the Manufacturing be facilitated. As mentioned, however, this embodiment can bring disadvantages.

Fig. 11 shows a further illustration of the blow mold 4. Here again recognizes the circumferential sealing means 15. Furthermore, two connections 56 and 58 are provided here, for example, to temper the blow mold. Corresponding cooling holes can be found in the in Fig. 10 be arranged blow mold 6. However, if corresponding cooling holes are placed in the mold carrier 6, they are relatively far away from the surface to be cooled, namely the bottle geometry. This affects the heat transfer. On the other hand, the cooling holes would have to be in the blow mold 4, for which purpose the following solution is proposed. Since the blow mold 4 is a replaceable part, couplings in the media supply are required. From a hygienic point of view, it is advantageous if these couplings 56 and 58 are arranged on the contact surface between the blow mold 4 and the blow mold carrier 6. This area is characterized by the in Fig. 11 Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be sterile, but may be regarded as an unsterile region.

Through these integrated cooling holes in the media clutches but the forms of which are usually kept several sets for various bottle sizes and shapes, more expensive.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment to circumvent this problem. It can be seen that the blow mold carrier 6 has projections 92 here, and furthermore coolant bores 94 are also arranged in the blow mold carrier 6. In the blow mold 4 itself are no coolant holes in this embodiment, the blow mold is therefore tempered or cooled over the blow mold. Due to the embodiments with the projections 92, which extend very close to the wall 4 c of the blow mold, an efficient cooling of the blow mold is still possible. But here can be arranged between the blow mold 4 and the support 6, the sealing means described above. The reference numeral 78 designates recesses formed in the blow mold into which the protrusions 92 protrude. The reference symbol S again indicates the pivot axis about which the blow mold carrier 6 is pivotable.

Alternatively, it would also be possible to design the blow mold 4 with a flat rear side. In order to ensure good heat dissipation here, heat-conducting elements 95 (cf. Fig. 13 ) be integrated. These heat elements are expediently firmly integrated into the mold. These heat-conducting elements 95 advantageously have an improved thermal conductivity and can consist, for example, of copper or the like. By means of these heat-conducting elements 95, the temperature of the blow mold carrier can be transported in a simplified manner to the blow mold 4 or to the inner wall 4c of the blow mold to be tempered.

In a further embodiment, it would also be possible to use the in Fig. 11 To make round sealing device shown, which brings advantages in particular in terms of manufacturing.

In Fig. 14 a further such embodiment of the sealing device is shown. As in Fig. 14 Again, shown here is a sealing surface between the blow mold 4 and the blow mold 6, which should be sealed by a circumferential sealing device. Again, the sealing device again in the above Fig. 4a and 4b be formed embodiment shown. In this way, the gap is sealed and no longer poses a microbiological risk Fig. 14 However, the embodiment shown can also be designed without a sealing device.

Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Here, a sealing device 5 is arranged between the blow mold 4 and the blow mold carrier 6, more precisely between the blow mold carrier 6 and a blow mold carrier shell 62. This sealing device extends perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The blow mold 4 is fixedly arranged on this Blasformträgerschale 62. Between the Blasformträgerschale 62 and the blow mold 6, a gap 64 is formed, which can be acted upon with compressed air. In this way, a so-called pressure pad is formed, which during the blow molding process of one of the two blow moldings (only one shown) to press on the other. This means that upon application of compressed air, the blow mold 4 and the blow mold carrier 6 move slightly apart. It is thus in the blow mold a pressure pad, which causes the mold carrier shell 62 moves back and forth during operation, so that a relative movement between the mold carrier and mold carrier shell is formed. As mentioned, this gap must be sealed for hygienic reasons.

The reference numeral 66 refers to a sealing device which covers the gap 64. However, if air passes through this gap, it still does not enter the clean room but is retained by the sealing device 5. The sealing device 5 thus completely covers the gap 64 and also the intermediate gap 65, so that no germs can form in this region as well.

During the sterilization process, the sealing device, more precisely its outer side, is exposed to the sterilization medium. Overall, therefore, the function of the sealing device 5, which seals the blow mold 4, extended. This sealing device extends here as far as the blow mold carrier 6 and thus bridges the gap 65 between the blow mold carrier and the mold carrier shell 62. In this way it is possible to seal two sealing points with only one sealing device 5. However, a corresponding embodiment is also possible if no pressure pad is provided, such as on the side of the other (not shown) blow molding. Again, a gap can be sealed, which is formed between the blow mold and the blow mold receiving part as well as another gap. In this embodiment, it is conceivable that the blow mold 4 is not located in a mold carrier shell 62 but is arranged directly on the blow mold carrier.

It is therefore in these in Fig. 15 shown embodiments proposed that the sealing device seals more than one gap.

In the embodiment shown here, the sealing device is arranged with two end sections 52 each in grooves 54. Between these end portions, the sealing device 5 is flexible. However, other possibilities of fixation would be conceivable. Thus, the sealing device 5 could also be clamped, for example by screws or by a braced with screws bar. In addition, a fixation could also be done via a strap.

An advantage of in Fig. 15 shown embodiment is that the sealing device can be easily changed from Veschleiß and damage from the front, without having to disassemble or disassemble the entire assembly.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

forming device

2

Transport wheel, transport device

4

blow

4a

Blow-Molded

4c

wall

5

stretching rod

6

blow mold

6a

Blasformträgerteil

7

cavity

8th

blowing station

9

guide curve

10

The plastic preforms

10a

container

11

follower

12

carriage

13

ground

14

first component

15

Sealing device, sealing lip

15a

Area

16

second component

17

cover

18

wall

19

Sidewall, section

20

cleanroom

21

bracket

22

feeding

23

holder

24

removal device

25

seal means

26

carrier

27

seal means

28

section

29

holding body

30

heater

31

heating elements

32

sterilization device

33

screw

33a

sealing washer

34

transport means

35

locking mechanism

35a

locking plate

35b

projections

36

Transfer unit

37

Transport wheel

38

sealing lip

40

filling device

42

Transfer unit

44

transport unit

50

investment

52

End portion of the sealing device

54

groove

56, 58

clutches

60

loading device

62

Mold carrier shell

64

gap

65

gap

66

seal means

78

recess

80

recess

82

Side wall

83

section

84

Side wall

87

recess base

92

projections

94

Coolant holes

95

heat-conducting elements

114, 116

Components (StdT)

130

Sealing device (StdT)

135

Gap (StdT)

140

Groove (StdT)

DF

sealing surface

h1, h2

heights

L

line

P

arrow

S

swivel axis

X

axis

Y

direction

U

Surroundings

Q

cross-section

Claims (13)

1. Device (1) for transforming plastics material preforms (10) into plastics material containers (10a) with a plurality of transforming stations (8) which are disposed on a movable carrier (2), wherein the transforming stations (8) each have blow moulds (4), within which the plastics material preforms (10) can be transformed into plastics material containers by acting upon them with a flowable medium (10a), and blow mould supports (6) for holding these blow moulds (4), and wherein the blow mould supports (6) have at least two blow mould support parts (6a) which are movable relative to one another for opening and closing the blow moulds (4), with a clean room (20) which is demarcated with respect to the surroundings (U) by means of at least one wall (18) and which at least partially surrounds the individual transforming stations (8), so that the transforming stations (8) are movable within this clean room (20), and with at least one supply unit (60) in order to act upon at least one region of the transforming stations (8) which are movable within the clean room (20) with a flowable sterilising medium, characterized in that at least one transforming station (8) has at least two components (14, 16) which are permanently fastened to one another in a working operation, and a resilient sealing means (15) is disposed between these components, wherein this sealing means (15) fills and/or closes a gap formed between these components (14, 16) in such a way that the sealing means (15) can be acted upon directly with the sterilising medium.
2. Device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the sealing means (15) is designed as a peripheral sealing means (15).
3. Device as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that the sealing means (15) is of annular construction.
4. Device (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, with a plurality of sealing means (15) which can be acted upon directly with the sterilising medium.
5. Device as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the components (14) has a receiving recess (80) to accommodate the sealing means (15).
6. Device as claimed in Claim 5, characterized in that the receiving recess (80) is peripheral.
7. Device as claimed in Claim 5, characterized in that the receiving recess (80) has boundary walls (82, 84), wherein these boundary walls have different heights (h1, h2) with respect to the base (87) of the receiving recess.
8. Device as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (15) is made from a plastic.
9. Device as claimed in Claim 8, characterized in that the sealing means (15) is made from an elastomer or a thermoplastic.
10. Device as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an assembled state of the components (14, 16) the sealing means (15) has an asymmetrical cross-section (Q).
11. Device as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the components (14, 16) has at least one cylindrical raised area (35b) for connection to the other component (16, 14).
12. Device as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component is a mould support and the second component is a blow mould part.
13. Device as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that delivery means for delivering a temperature control medium are disposed within a section surrounded by the sealing means (15).

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